Black Creativity’s 31st Gala Hosted by the Museum of Science and Industry

Approximately 700 guests turned out in their black-tie finery for the 31st annual Black Creativity Gala held at The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI). Co-chaired by Cheri Chappelle, director of diversity and inclusion for Illinois Tool Works (ITW) and MSI Trustee Frank Clark, retired chairman and CEO of ComEd, the Gala raised around $360,000 for Black Creativity programming and events which pay tribute to the culture, heritage and science contributions of African Americans and help motivate youth in the sciences.

Shari Runner & Cynthia Chappelle

Tiffany Wilson & Kahmeelah Betts

Kevin & Myra Price

Yasmin Brown & David Mcravin

Wayne & Lorraine Morgan

Sandra Rand

Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while viewing the Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition. African-American artists, both professional and amateur, from around the country, submit works for the juried competition. This year over 85 original works, including nine artworks from eight youth artists, between the ages of 14 to 17, were selected.

NBC5 Chicago’s Alicia Roman, the evening’s emcee, introduced David Mosena, president and CEO of the Museum. He welcomed guests and said, “The Black Creativity Gala is always a fabulous event. The money raised goes to a great cause—developing Museum programs that inspire and motivate kids in the sciences and encourage them to think creatively about the problems that challenge our world.”

The Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition opened January 22. It is the longest running exhibition of African-American art and has been displayed annually at MSI since 1970 and runs through February 22.

Margaret J. O’Connor is the founder/owner of MarCon Communications, a public relations and special events firm which handles the publicity and event needs for a diverse range of clients. She’s involved with numerous charities in Chicago and is active in its lifestyle and social scene. She grew up and was educated in Africa, Australia and America and holds degrees in marketing and finance from the University of Illinois. She is a contributing writer to many print and digital publications and her focus is lifestyle, culinary and nonprofit events.